2025 Veterans and Military Appreciation, Community Celebration & Football Game
Cherry Creek Schools Hosts Annual Veterans and Military Appreciation Celebration
Cherry Creek School District hosted its 2025 Veterans and Military Appreciation Celebration on Saturday, September 20, bringing together veterans, active-duty service members, students, and community members to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation.
The event featured the Presentation of the Colors by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1106, the National Anthem performed by the Peakview Elementary Choir, and remarks from keynote speaker Dan Rickert, Chief Operating Officer at Air Space Intelligence, and former U.S. Army Special Forces officer. He shared reflections on service, leadership, and the importance of supporting veterans and their families.
Highlights included a POW/MIA Table Ceremony, a Military Child’s Table Setting Presentation by Peakview 5th graders, and a Quilts of Valor wrapping ceremony led by the Smoky Hill Quilting Club to honor veteran Troy Williams. Guests enjoyed a meal provided by the Colorado Army National Guard, desserts from the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a community celebration with military branch displays.
“This celebration is a reminder of the deep respect we have for those who serve and their families,” said Assistant Superintendent Derek Mullner. “Their dedication inspires our students and strengthens our community.”
That evening, guests also enjoyed a football game where Grandview Wolves faced off against Rock Canyon Cougars with tributes to veterans and active military members throughout the game. Cherry Creek Schools will continue honoring veterans during Veterans Week in November, with events in every school across the district.
Posted on 9/25/2025.
Photo Gallery of 2025 Celebration
Click photos to enlarge.
LUNCHEON
12-2 p.m.
Veterans and active military members come together for a meal and a program to honor and thank them for their service.
COMMUNITY
CELEBRATION
2-5 p.m.
Community members enjoy a fair featuring various military attractions, games and resources for veterans and active military members.
FOOTBALL GAME
6 p.m. kickoff
Intertwined with tributes to veterans and our active military members, two teams kick-off at Legacy Stadium.
Legacy Stadium
26101 E. Arapahoe Rd., Aurora, CO 80016
Vendors and resource booths interested in participating, please contact Christy Everson.
Email Christy | 720-554-4435
2024 Veterans and Military Appreciation, Community Celebration, and Football Game
Tony Drees is an Adaptive Athlete Champion, Purple Heart Amputee, a motivational speaker, and the father to graduates of Cherry Creek Schools. In 2018, Drees’ leg was amputated after his barracks was struck by the “Deadliest Scud Missile of the Iraqi War.”
On Saturday, October 5 at Cherry Creek Schools’ annual Military and Veteran Appreciation Celebration, Drees was wrapped in a Quilt of Valor, alongside his dog, Diva, to honor his courage and sacrifice.
“Many times people come up to me, and they say, I served but I didn't get to be deployed, and you can hear their disappointment. Or, I served but I didn’t give as much of a sacrifice as you did, and you hear their disappointment,” said Drees. “What I’m here to say is, it doesn’t matter in what capacity you serve. What matters is that you went up and signed your name on the dotted line, or that you raised your hand to represent and protect our country. And for that, I can never have enough gratitude for you. And to those of you who wanted to serve, but weren’t able to and were tenacious enough to serve as a civilian, I have the utmost respect for you.”
Legacy Stadium
26101 E Arapahoe Rd Aurora, CO 80016